The Hoofprint - October 2014

THeHoofprint BUFFALO HIGH SCHOOL BUFFALO, MN Issue 1 - 10 October 2014

02 Lightbox

7:15 pm - 05 September 2014 The Bison Offense lines up against the Rogers Royals in the first home game of the year.

Photo By Rebecca Kohnen

In this issue 03 News

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Got $33 Million?

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A Fresh Face To BHS: Brad Koltes

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Wakeless Summer

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Missing Google Docs

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The 2014 Bond Referendum: Got $33 Million?

ARTS & Entertainment 10 Top Ten Events Worth Going to this School Year

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Activities

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Robots Invade BHS

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The Chance of a Lifetime

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Sports

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Staying Fit Throughout the Summer

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Features

In the coming election the district will be asking for money to make improvements that will make wide impacts...read more on page 04

Wakeless Summer

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Struggles of the First Day

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Sophomores in Senior Classes 18

Opinions

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What is Safety?

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The Ban on the Tan

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spotlight

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“I’m Still Here”

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Historically rainy June sets the tone for a dry summer...read more on page 08

Cover Photo by Mallorie Habisch

TheHoofprint Buffalo High School Buffalo, MN Volume 44 — Issue 1 10 October 2014

Online at Hoofprint.net

Editors-inChief Molly McMullen, Jon Thielen Managing Editor Meghan Cahill News Leighton McAlpin, Tiffany Kramer A&E Emma Henne, Kylee Nyholm

Activities Andrew Scherber Sports Taylor Susa, Ben Rodelius Features Kayla Lehtola, Emily Vogt Opinions Sam Quiring, Molly Kwakenat Spotlight Kenna Kunesh, Maddy Personius

Buisness Editors Elizabeth LaCasse, Aric Haluska, Nels Raisanen Photographers Rebecca Kohnen, Anna Demgen, Malorie Davidson Graphic Artists Kathleen Tierney,

Ari Liljedahl, Jayde Hoppe Staff Writers Carson J.S. Reichardt, Jillianne Hovland, Faith Kulzer, Calista Susa, Marley Sanderson, Sydney Crowser, Samantha Westrum,

Taylor McNitt, Allie Palmer, Avery Sonju, Greta Tesdahl, Ashley Budig Copy Editors Rachel Lauer, Naomi Charriez Adivsor Ryan McCallum

04 News

got $33 Million?

In the coming election the district will be asking for money to make improvements that will impact the whole district and potentially make big changes to the high school.

Meghan Cahill - Managing Editor

and facilities, classroom spaces, and other maintenance projects that have ew stadium, new track, been deferred over the last few years. improved technology, consistent The high school is 17 years old, and the heating and air conditioning, roofs are only guaranteed for 15 years so improved sports fields and parking lot the whole roof would be replaced. The improvements. Interested? Got $33 heating and A/C systems will be updated.

The PA system will be upgraded, and the million?

The Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose school board approved a safety and technology bond question on August 11, asking voters for $33 million on the upcoming election in November. The funds would be going to many different projects -Superintendent Scott Thielman around the district to improve our safety, technology, and facilities. security system will be improved.

More classroom spaces would be “At the tipping point” added as well. One example of additional “Our buildings and grounds people classroom space would be a new multiare always looking out to the future,” purpose fine-arts room that would be said Superintendent Scott Thielman. built on the northeast corner of the “The grounds director meets with all the Performing Arts Center. principals, and on an annual basis they “It will also open up some opportunity identify $3-5 million worth of needs. The for other programs to visit us that we State gives us about $1.8 million annually wouldn’t normally get to see because to make repairs, so there’s a $2-3 million the stage is being used for a variety of gap. Over 10 years, that’s $20-30 million. other purposes,” said Thielman. “Now The State says, ‘we’re not going to give there will be space to roll those things you the money you need, but we give in and out and visiting theatre groups you the authority to call an election’, and could come in and present to students. If that’s what this is. It’s a bond election. a choir or a band wants to come in and We present our information to the perform, they often can’t do that now community, and they can say yes or no.” because One Act is using it or there is a “This is not only looking out to the choir performance or band performance future, but it’s also been compiled over the course of time,” said Director of Finance or the middle school is coming in. We’re and Operations Gary Kawlewski. “Some looking at these spaces being available to of these projects have been on the list for the community.” five or ten years, because we haven’t had the resources to get it done. These are at Everything is on-campus Additional ‘new’ classroom space would the tipping point where we have to do be achieved by reconfiguring what is something.” currently Room C-118 (located at the end of the sophomore hallway) into multiple At the High School The high school would be getting $12- classrooms and the construction of an 13 million. With that money, there would addition on the north end of the building be major changes to our athletic fields for a new gymnasium. This bond would

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also increase the outdoor recreation space providing spaces so that almost all sports can stay at the high school for practice and home games.

“For the high school students that participate in activities, they’ll see that everything is on campus. Football, soccer, lacrosse, et cetera — it’ll be at BHS,” said Thielman. “We won’t bet shuffling everybody back and forth from the middle school, and we’ll have additional green space that will be developed at the high school. Most likely, the field behind the tennis courts will be revamped. Softball will be moved from its current place to where the football fields are now.

Baseball will also be coming home; they won’t be playing at Bentfield Mills.”

Sports such as swimming and golf will still be at other locations. But the bond does include plans to upgrade the pool filtration system and create a family locker room at the middle school.

“It’s an investment in the community, in our children, in our future.”

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What the community wants

The process of trying to identify and create a list of priorities for a bonding referendum includes a lot more than just meeting with the internal school officials and facilities managers. There was a survey of what the community thought of this bond conducted in December of 2013.

The results of this survey were presented to the school board to determine if the community was supportive of the bond election. But the work and research goes beyond the thoughts of the community.

The board also discussed the needs assessment, tax impact, dollar amount and merits of the projects.

This bond would increase taxes over the next five years, if approved, for everyone who lives within the border of our school district. These taxes are based on the value of your home. For a $200,000 home the taxes would increase by about $88 a

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ball 200'

News 05 Planed improvements to the High School include an improved Activity Venue, shown in district-published plans below.

Softball 200' SandPeat Field

year or a little over $7 Sanda month for 5 years.

Peat That totals to be about $440 on average Field for every home in the district.

Softball

Hope and Risk200'

“I think every generation supports the other generations,” said Thielman. “It’s an investment in the community, in our children, in our future.”

“It’s always this kind of pay it forward.

Everybody used an educational building at some point, and someone had to pay for them to go through, so it’s kind of a circle that keeps going,” said Kawlewski.

Thielman and Kawlewski feel that if this bond is going to pass the district needs to get the information to the community.

Thielman added that, “It’s not just going to be a slam dunk; there will be 12,000 people voting in this election.

Folks will be at the polls, and they’re 40'x60'Concessions going to be bombarded Tickets/Storage with political advertisement, and we could get lost.

They might not know until they look at the ballot so it’s our job to get the word out and to help people know what’s going on.

“It’s our job to make sure they’re making an informed decision,” said Kawlewski.

“Then ultimately they have the final decision to vote yes or no,”

Reconstruct Baseball Field (Sand-Peat) Reconstruct Baseball Infield (Sand-Peat)

6' Fence

Field Lights 30'x60'Teamrooms/Toilets

HOMEBLEACHERS (2,000SEATS)

Multi-Purpose Field Synthetic Surface Mutli-Purpose Fields (Regrade & Reseed) ~360'X~750'

Instant impact

If the bond is passed, students could see changes starting next school year.

The current freshman class will likely be the first to play on the new fields, track and stadium. The other projects around the district and at the high school will be done in stages over the next five years.

Voters in the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose school district will have a chance to make their voices heard on November 4.

Students who are 18-years-old or older can register to vote ahead of the election 6' Fence to the or by bringing a driver’s license polls on Election Day.

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VISITORBLEACHERS (750SEATS)

6' Fence Multi-Purpose Field Sand-Peat Surface

Discus Shot Put Field Lights

06 News

Photo by Anna Demgen

News 07

a fRESH fACE TO BHS: Brad Koltes

Calista Susa- Staff Writer

Last Spring, word began to spread that former Assistant Principal Brandon Prell would be leaving and someone new would be coming in. The only question was who was going to be that person? While the school year was coming to an end, the Buffalo School District began to search for a new assistant principal. After school was released, it was determined that Brad Koltes would fill the position. ‘‘What made us pick Brad Koltes to be the new assistant principal was his ability to work with kids, building relationships with them so they can be successful, and it felt like I was talking to someone who had the same beliefs that I do,” said Principal Mark Mischke. “ It was weird cause it was early and obvious he was the right one for the job.”

Koltes first taught at a private school in Eagan as a social studies teacher before taking a job teaching in Champlin.

“I wasn’t originally looking into administration when I first started,” said Koltes. “My wife is a teacher at Anoka Hennepin school district. I ended up getting a job in the same school, so we worked together at Jackson Middle School in Champlin for about six years.”

Koltes has been interested in sports since his childhood, and he still participates in activities such as baseball, hockey, and golf. He also enjoys spending time with his family.

“My wife’s name is Andrea. We met in college. I went to St. Johns, and she

went to St. Ben’s. Together we have three children. Nolan is going to be three this fall, and we had twins this past Spring named Theodore ‘Teddy’ and Evelyn ‘Evie’,” said Koltes.

Koltes then went on to discuss the experiences that brought him into administration.

“People kept telling me I should go into administration, but I loved teaching, working with the kids. Going into my second year, [Jackson Middle School] had cuts and my position got cut. They had a job opening working with staff to collaborate with one another, help [them] become better teachers. I took the job at Jackson so I could stay there and I really liked an administration position, but I missed the kids too. So I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Then last year I had a job at Anoka Hennepin Blaine High School [as an] assistant principal intern and loved it. It was tough. There are parts about the job where its not always fun having to be the bad guy sometimes and giving consequences but I loved the teaching part of it. So, I decided this is what I wanted to do,” said Koltes.

Since Koltes has been here, he has enjoyed his time and has noticed that our district is very friendly and welcoming.

“I came from a large district in which you knew some other administrators, but you didn’t know everybody. Here it’s like I know all of the principals. It’s a cool place. So far it’s been awesome,” said Koltes.

08 News

“It was annoying because my family and I couldn’t do the things we would normally do on Pulaski like skiing, wakeboarding or tubing. Consequently, we didn’t do those activities as much as we would usually.” Said Senior Emme Wistrom. “ Luckily I have a friend that lives on Maple Lake so my friends and I went over there a lot during the no wake zone time.

There we went surfing and just hung out on the boat!”

Photo submitted by Emme Winstrom

“Well everyone was bummed when we heard about it so right away we started brainstorming ideas of what to do while still being on the lake. Let’s just say Stand Up Paddle board Jousting didn’t go very well,” said Freshman Megan Murphy “We body surfed which ended up with a nose full of water but was still really fun and [we] also pulled the tubes out and stood up on them and did some tube dancing” said Murphy.

Photo submitted by Megan Murphy

wakeless Summer Historically rainy June sets the tone for a dry summer.

By Sydney Crowser and Marley Sanderson - Staff Writers

News 09 “For a couple weeks, it impacted my summer a lot because everything I do during the summer was being restricted. Needless to say, I had a lot of time on my hands.” Said Sophomore Payton Tank.

Pulaski resident Jon Tank also gave his input on the no wake zone as well. “There wasn’t any proof that a boat’s wake causes more damage than wind,” Said Tank. “More people were mad and complaining about the no wake zone, because storms did more damage.”

Photo submitted by Payton Tank

WHERE ARE MY FILES? BROKEN GOOGLE ACCOUNTS FRUSTRATE STUDENTS WHO LOST EVERYTHING Carson J.S. Reichardt - Staff Writer Every student at BHS is familiar with the idea of a teacher telling them to share a completed assignment with them on Google Drive. While it’s usually an efficient system, Google Drive malfunctioned over the summer, causing many students to lose access to their files or the ability to log in.

Three students seniors lost all of the data that they had saved to it; including their documents, sites, and blogs.

One of these students is Senior Jordyn Prince. “Throughout the whole summer, it wouldn’t let me log in to my email or Google Drive. I didn’t know why,” she said.

Early during the school year, Prince was finally able to access her account again. “I went on,” she said, “but everything was cleared. I didn’t have anything up to that point. Everything I used to have was gone.”

Such an event is naturally frustrating, and an explanation is usually desired by anyone affected. Prince never received one.

“They never told me what happened. I have no idea why they couldn’t find any of my stuff,” she said.

However, there was obviously a reason for the sudden loss of data. Mat Nelson, the distict’s Director of Technology explains further...

View the full story on hoofprint.net

ISSUE 1 - 10 October 2014

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10 Arts&entertainment

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October 12. Walking Dead Season 5

The very first episode of the Walking Dead starts with Rick Grimes waking up from a coma only to find out that the world has been plagued by a zombie apocalypse. Season 5 will continue with telling the story of individuals and their journey.

October 19. Bastille Concert

The band Bastille is coming to the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul.

Bastille’s music would be categorized as Alternative/Indie rock. You might know this band from their hit song “Pompeii” that is frequently played on the radio.

October 25. BOO-ffalo 5K Run

This annual 5K run will take place in Sturges Park. It’s a good time to have fun with friends and dress up in costumes while staying fit.

The 5k will begin at 12 PM.

Events worth going November 18. Usher Concert

American singer Usher is coming to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. He is known for his contributions in the pop music industry. A couple of his songs you may know from the radio include Yeah!, Burn, and OMG. The show will start at 7:30PM and includes a performance by August Alsina.

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Top

November 21. Mockingjay Part 1

This is the third movie in the Hunger Games trilogy based on the best-selling novels. It takes place in the future, following a conflict that led to the destruction of The United States. The story is focused on Katniss Everdeen, a courageous girl who just might be starting a rebellion to take down the spiteful government system that has taken over.

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Arts&EnterTainment 11 December 17. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

This is the third and final installment in the three-part film adaptation based on The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. The story follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins who is trying to obtain a share of the treasure guarded by the dragon, Smaug.

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December 22. BHS Sounds of the Season Choir Concert

This seasonal choir concert will feature all choirs including Concert Choir, Varsity Choir, Freshman Choir, BHS Singers, Treble Singers and Varsity Singers. This concert is extremely popular, so get there early to get a good spot. The concert will start at 7:30 PM.

Ten

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February 7. BHS Tri-M Variety Show

to this school year

The Tri-M variety show is a music oriented talent show that is set up by the members of Tri-M. They audition performers and emcee the show. The profits go towards scholarships for week-long summer music camps. The show starts at 7:00 PM.

April 23. BHS Spring Musical

The story, “Children of Eden,” is based on the book of Genesis. All music and lyrics are written by Stephen Schwartz, who has written many musicals, including Godspell and Wicked. The musical will be directed

by Ms. Hagstrom-Durant, choreographed by Ms. Bestland and musically directed by Mr. Walsh. The show starts at 7:30.

May 1. Avengers: Age of Ultron

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This movie is based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. It is a sequel to Marvel’s 2012 blockbuster The Avengers. You can expect all the same actors and characters, with the addition of James Spader as Ultron.

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12 activities

Robots Invade Buffalo High BHS’s lineup of activities is growing to include one out of science fiction

Carson J.S. Reichardt — Staff Writer BHS offers a wide variety of official activities that students can get involved in. Everything from athletics to anime is covered, so it’s nearly impossible to not find something of interest. But for anyone who hasn’t yet found their niche—or for those who are looking for another activity to add to their portfolio—another option may soon be available to fill the void.

Civil Engineer Tom McMullen is hoping to start a robotics club at BHS, an activity that, he says, “is taking video games to the next level. It’s like bringing your video games to reality.”

Officially recognized in Minnesota in 2011, robotics clubs have been appearing throughout the state ever since. Minnesota has the fourth-largest state contingent of teams in the country and hosts the biggest of over 50 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition regional events. The number of teams in the North Star state may be increased sometime in the near future. The FIRST Robotics competition process begins in January, so final decision regarding whether or not BHS will be joining the lineup will be made sometime before then.

But what is robotics club, exactly? It is, effectively, what it sounds like. Teams of 25 students or more are tasked with

designing a team brand and building and programming a robot to perform a certain task, while also making sure it does it better than the creations of other teams. As a Minnesota State High School League press release said, “It’s as close to ‘real world’ engineering that a student can get.”

McMullen said, “The competitions have included basketball shooting competitions, throwing Frisbees, et cetera.”

Robotics club also caters to students with a wide variety of interests. McMullen said, “To have a successful program, students with interests in mechanical design and steel fabrication, computer programming, electrical design and wiring, and business, are needed.”

McMullen has high hopes for the robotics club. “I think the robotics program will be very successful at Buffalo High School,” he said. “I have had several students already express interest in the program.”

For those unsure about joining, he also has a bit of advice. “If you can make friends, laugh and learn about things that will be important in your life—how can that be a bad thing?”

The school board has yet to make this activity official, but it is likely to be brought up at a meeting in the near future. After that, It’s only a matter of time before the invasion begins.

Robots compete during a Robotics Team competition at the Minnesota State Fair. For the first time, BHS students will have the opportunity to participate in a Robotics Club this school year. Photo by Andrew Scherber

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Activities 13

The Chance of a Lifetime BHS MUSICIANS PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL TRIP

Greta Tesdahl—Staff Writer

For 16 days in mid-July, sixteen BHS band and choir students, along with other music students from around the state, participated in an international trip described by one BHS senior as “The Chance of a Lifetime.” This trip, which lead them across seven European countries by bus, was not done solely for the purpose of sightseeing-they also performed 12 times.

“The band played in outdoor places and parks and the choir performed in cathedrals and churches all over the place,” said Junior Belle Wanke.

Organized by the Voyageurs International Company, which has been coordinating international tours with students for over 40 years, this trip was planned far in advance.

“The idea was first presented to me by my director, Mr. Walsh. He sent out a letter to all of our families saying he’s nominating us to be a part of the trip” said Senior Nick Swearingen.

Those letters, which were sent out in December 2013, were given to students who the band and choir directors felt met a certain criteria.

“We look at our choir and band and

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we decide of those students which ones we think are good musicians and would be good students to have on a trip,” said Choir Teacher Mike Walsh. Last year they recommended over 70 students, and though it sounds like a large drop to 16, it’s actually the largest group BHS has had go in the 12 years we’ve participated in the program. It is also a large number among the other Minnesota schools that participate in the program.

“There was a couple other schools that had as many or more… but for most schools it’s 4 or 5, so 16 was a lot,” said Walsh.

Before the students even stepped foot on the plane, they encountered the most crucial part of their performances; the rehearsals. Within three days at Wayzata High School both the band and choir students raced to learn their music before they set off for Europe.

“I didn’t know you could learn music that fast,” said Wanke. The rehearsals were also a time to meet the other students, which created a bond that has extended even past the end of the trip.

“We’re actually planning to have a bonfire with all the kids from the trip,”

said Swearingen.

Once they arrived in Europe, the trip became a whirlwind. The group visited major cities like London, Paris and Venice. They saw sights like the London Eye, the Eiffel Tower and the Matterhorn Mountain. All the while, they performed in various venues throughout Europe. One venue was particularly special.”

“In Switzerland they set up a tent for us and the audience was huge… during ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ they went crazy,” said Wanke.

The students also had to be prepared to play for a foreign audience. “[It was different] from country to country,” said Swearingen. “In Switzerland they were the most energetic... but in places like Germany and France they’re more reserved” As the trip came to an end, the students, many of whom this was their first time travelling abroad, had time to reflect on this “Chance of a Lifetime” trip.

“It’s something you would not be able to do anywhere else… this opportunity won’t come along ever again,” said Swearingen.

Photo submitted by Nick Swearingen

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14 Sports

Members of the Cross Country team practice at Buffalo Heights Golf Course.

The team recently took First Place at the Buffalo Invitational Meet.

Photo by Malorie Davidson

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Sports 15

Staying fit throughout the summer

One student ran 487 miles this summer, others went to athletic camp to better themselves Allie Palmer - Staff Writer Summer is traditionally thought of as relaxation time, a break from sports, school, and obligations. Now many athletes use summer as training months to better themselves for the upcoming seasons. Through Bison training, private lessons, camps and more this summer was busy.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays athletes arrived at the high school for Bison Training. “Friday is an optional day where the individual gets another day to workout. The ownership falls on the athlete,” stated Bison Training Coordinator Jason Karn.

Senior cross country runner Anna Demgen gained a lot from attending Bison Training regularly.

“It got me into lifting, I didn’t like lifting before but now I really, really like it,” said Demgen.

Freshman football player Tyler Marr feels Bison Training gave him an edge on his fellow teammates.

“Yeah, I work pretty hard and it shows,” stated Marr, “The kids that don’t work hard make the lower team

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and maybe don’t get to start.”

Hard work is no stranger to Senior cross country runner Frank Graham.

Graham ran around 487 miles this summer in preparation for the cross country season. “I remember back to tenth grade after the state meet how I really regretted not putting in as much work as I could’ve, it kinda comes back everyday,” said Graham.

“I just think about that when I don’t want to do something.”

Athletes knowing why they are working helps them to achieve their goals.

“We do a motivational quote and/ or video everyday,” said Karn “I try to tap into each individual emotional state, get to know why they are there.”

Goals come in all different varieties, from mental to physical.

“This season my goal is to play relaxed and confident,” said Sophomore soccer player Becky Horak “Get better at blocking and hitting better,” said Junior volleyball player Paige Dalbec. Through working

one on one with a coach in Delano, various camps, and Acceleration in Plymouth, Dalbec feels she has and will improve.

“I hope athletes come away empowering themselves with their own actions,” Karn said.

Working towards these goals all summer has already started to pay off.

“Last year I don’t think I was as prepared, but now playing with better experienced people has helped me a lot,” said Freshman tennis player Claire Stevens. Stevens credits this early on success to attending Ben Watkin’s and Scott Larson’s tennis camps this summer.

“I completely feel that my hard work has paid off. Last season I only started one game and I played a little under half of each game. We have only played two games so far, but I have already started a game,” said Horak, “I also feel 10 times more relaxed and confident out on the field, which just makes it that much more fun.”

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16 Features

l o o h c s s h r g e t Hi t ji In almost every TV show centered around high school, there are multiple stereotypes that are far away from the truth. Characters like Regina George in the movie Mean Girls or Sharpay Evans in High School Musical give the impression that high school is focused mainly on those popular kids that are out to get the new kids in school, or the way senior bullies will push freshmen into lockers if they so much as glance in their direction, when in reality, that’s not how it works.

“I thought coming in to high school, seniors were gonna, like, trample over me in the hallways, but everyone was really helpful. If you needed help, you could ask anyone and they would help you,” says Sophomore Rachel Linzbach. On the first day, most people are just as nervous as everyone else, and teachers in the hallways all around the building gladly help anyone. Most upperclassman mind their own business, and the typical stereotype that seniors steal your lunch money is incorrect.

At the top of some people’s list of the most terrifying things a freshman goes through on their first day is lunch. “I hated not knowing who was in my lunch period before the first day of school,” says Sophomore Nicole Fillyaw. Until the first day, which lunch period a student has is a mystery. The thought of having to sit alone because they don’t having any friends in their lunch period can make a lot of people terrified, but after the first day, they figure it out.

In order to make high school a lot more exciting, many people resort to joining clubs or getting involved in multiple sports. But choosing the right ones can be difficult. Middle school teachers and

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ISSUE 1 - 10 October 2014

Features 17

lly

by Mo Photo

s e l g g u str

ariyter d t s r i f of the lzer - Staff W Faith

Ku

older friends or relatives often talk about how high school is a lot harder than middle school, making students wary for overloading themselves. Although it can be difficult, making a stand beginning in freshman year can benefit them for the rest of their life.

All of these challenges eventually are over after the first few days and before they know it, four years of high school has gone by. Starting on the first day of high school, those fights they’ve been through with their old friends and good memories they’ve made from clubs they’ve joined lead up to the last day of senior year. The decisions freshmen make and the attitude they go through high school with determines the mark they’ll leave on the school, and they fully control whether it will be good or bad.

Expectation

llen

McMu

Photos by Meghan Cahill

vs.

Reality

Contrary to the movie High School Musical, most students don’t have a choreographed dance routine that they act out on top of the tables durning lunch. High School lunches are actually fairly calm, a fact that seems to slip by in a number of TV shows and movies centered around high school.

ISSUE 1 - 10 October 2014

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18 Features

SOPHOMORES IN SENIOR CLASSES Classes Are more individualized and diverse AS UNDERCLASSMEN HAVE INCREASED opportunities to accelerate academically and socially Taylor McNitt - Staff Writer

You walk into one of your classes - it’s a CIS class - on class color day, and don’t think anything of the blue and black all around you. But then an unexpected color catches your eye: Red? That can’t be right…can it? Why is there a sophomore in your class?

Underclassmen in the upperclassmen courses are becoming more and more common, so what?

Well, there is an explanation behind it, though: the oldest class of the Quest program is now a part of the sophomore class and this phenomenon raises a number of questions. What are these students going to do when their senior year comes along?

Taking many of the classes early that most students will take during their senior year, the accelerated kids face a problem: will there be enough classes for them?

“It really is a new thing,” said Robert Nosbush, the High Potential Services Coordinator. “As they have been getting older, more and more things have been added. They are the pioneer class, the first group. We’re kind of watching them, how they perform, how they react, so we are getting a lot of information.”

“It’s weird being with juniors and seniors in all my classes, but I got used to it pretty quick,” said Sophomore and Quest student Nels Raisanen.

“I think it is different for every student;” BHS principal Mark Mischke said. “I am supportive of kids being challenged where they’re at. I really see it on an individual basis where kids can be successful; I don’t want to have a kid, just because they are super-intelligent, take courses that they aren’t prepared for or don’t feel comfortable in. It might not be a good idea to accelerate at all because socially they might not be ready sit with kids that are older; it’s not perfect for some kids and its not bad for other kids.”

For many students, a more individualized curriculum is the solution. Many students, including those labeled as ‘gifted’, really only

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excel in one area of school, and that is where a personalized schedule provides an answer that isn’t at all outlandish.

“We are continuing to explore options to meet the needs of all of our kids,” said Mischke. “When we have kids coming in farther ahead, I think it challenges us in a good way to say “OK, what options can we provide for them?” So, that while they’re here they can have a productive four years of high school, even though they may have traditionally accelerated ahead of what would typically be a 9th 10th 11 grade 12th grade schedule. I think it’s a positive; it gives our staff a chance to pursue that next step in teaching courses they maybe not have taught before. Like a level three calculus or a level five world language, some of those things that might pop up that they kind of wanted to get close to but yet haven’t done yet. I think its going to look like a variety of options.”

Being unable to know if a class is either hard enough, or too hard, for that matter, often trips up the accelerated student. But with the focus on a personalized high school experience, that won’t stop the progress of these students, and before they know it, it’s their senior year.

“I think it will be awesome,” said Quest English 8 and 9 teacher Ryan McCallum. “I think the school is growing so fast and in so many ways with opportunities that are unique to kids — and that’s not just gifted kids, Quest kids, or enriched kids.

It’s growing in a way that’s just really exciting for freshmen and sophomores now. Their senior years are going to have a lot of different options. The senior year, over the next few years, is going to look different from what it looks now, and it’s already very strong.”

“It’s really to [their] advantage,” Nosbush said, “because financially [they] won’t have to be paying for that, or your parents. So I think its even going to start making [their] college years look so different too, because [they’re] going to be going in to the physical university campus, [they’re] going to be bringing so much with [them].”

ISSUE 1 - 10 OCTOber 2014

Features 19

Sophomore Andrew Scherber waits intently as Calculus teacher Carlton Urdahl passes back work.

Photo by Molly McMullen

ISSUE 1 - 10 OCTOber 2014

TheHoofprint

20 Opinions

SAFETY VS. SPECULATION

Opinions 21

BEYOND SECURITY CAMERAS AND RESOURCE OFFICERS, WHAT REALLY MAKES US SAFE? Carson J. S Reichardt- Staff Writer

Student safety at BHS is rarely questioned. The school goes through its mandatory fire and tornado drills regularly, even if the student body makes fun of these exercises. In the event of some sort of problem with the school itself, we’re covered.

However, it’s more difficult to tell students what to do when there’s an actual human being looking to do harm to others. Sure, we practice our lockdowns just as often as the other drills, but let’s be honest about something: student safety is about much more than what happens after a threat enters the building.

This very procedure was called into question recently, when a student at Phoenix Learning Center (PLC) was discovered to have created drawings that depicted harm to others. The authorities were involved before any of those drawings turned into something worse, but it still caused unrest among students and parents, alike.

A lot of this unrest was perpetuated through social media sites. Facebook, especially, blew up with activity regarding the event. Local Facebook groups began speculating on the events and creating rumors having to do with it, many of which were blatant lies. An example of this was one user’s claim that PLC is located within Buffalo High School. One trip to the district website could have cleared this up, but because one person got their facts wrong, the rate at which panic spread increased.

Matters only worsened when people began demanding the name of the student who made the drawings that caused all of this. One Facebook user posted a link to the profile of someone they suspected was the artist. Later, a group of adults threatened to camp out in front of BHS. Speculation was presented as factual information. Once again, social media only made the matter worse.

Due to the rapidly-growing alarm, the administration spent most of Class Color Day trying to deal with rumors like the ones mentioned above, which benefits absolutely no one. The administration is supposed to keep the district functioning like the well-oiled machine it usually is. It’s much more difficult for them to do their jobs when people who aren’t technically a part of the machine come in and try to “fix” it. It prevents the people who are supposed to be doing what it takes to keep us safe from doing that, which, ironically, is exactly what the people who are stopping them want.

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Eventually, the district decided to address this. In one of several emails that were sent out to parents of children in the district, the following sentences were included: “Sometimes social media creates a challenge in terms of communication.

Our goal is to get truthful, accurate information out to those involved as soon as possible. We hope this communication with you today will help stop any rumors that are circulating out there among our district communities and calm any fears that you may have as a parent.”

It’s a strange time for this event to take place, when the referendum is just around the corner. Beyond getting upgrades to technology and playing fields, the bond in question would also provide funding to remodel entryways, add security cameras, and otherwise improve safety throughout the district.

The elementary entryway remodels are designed so that any potential visitor would be directed straight to the front office. The security cameras would do exactly what they’re expected to; they’d record all activity wherever they’re directed. This sounds great, but it’s important to remember that these are mostly used after the fact. They aren’t always any use in the middle of an incident.

But is it this all it takes to be safe? There must be more to it than adding more cameras and redirecting visitors. It’s most often a given that people can feel safe within their homes, when the only thing separating them from the outside world is a lock in the middle of a giant piece of wood. In reality, it’s much less safe than BHS, which has a police officer in it whenever the students are there. Maybe we feel safer at home because there aren’t cops or security cameras, which would make a person think there are reasons to be afraid. At home, there’s just a few people, that piece of wood, and the trust that no matter what it’ll all turn out alright in the end.

Speculation on Social Media can complicate student safety because it degrades the amount of trust the community has in the people who have made student safety their first priority - namely the Buffalo Police Department and the building administration. This investigation took time, and while information wasn’t always available as quickly as people wanted it to be, the school took the threat seriously from the start.

Maybe that’s the key. Trust. There’s faith in one hand and a lot of nothing in the other, and that’s still enough to make people confident that everything’s going to be okay.

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22 Opinions

Opinions 23

The Ban on The tan Avery A. Sonju - Staff Writer

Minnesota is the eighth state in the US to ban indoor tanning for minors.

Starting on August 1, people under 18 had to look for other ways to get their tans. One in five Americans develop skin cancer in their lifetimes, and this the decision was made in hope of minimizing a that risk for Minnesota children.

How will this decision affect BHS students?

What’s Your Perspective?

Sophomore Taylor Thompson When it comes to tanning, Sophomore Taylor Thompson doesn’t approve of it, even though it’s a common thing in her household.

“I don’t really like tanning because first of all, it doesn’t work for me,” said Thompson .“And second of all, it’s really harmful to your skin. I have a tanning bed in my house, and I still choose not to use it very often. I’m aware of the fact that I can die, and I don’t want that to happen, obviously. Harming myself and my body by making my skin a few shades darker really doesn’t make sense to me.”

Taylor said that she doesn’t think she will tan when she comes of age.

Senior Keyara Perry Senior Keyara Perry works at Tan On First in Buffalo and has mixed feelings about the law on tanning.

“I think that the law isn’t horrible because kids shouldn’t really be tanning anyway, but the fact that government took the option away makes me a little irritated because parents should be able to choose what their kids do.”

Perry went on to say how she hasn’t lost business because kids have been doing spray tans, and a lot of her clients are actually eighteen.

“I’m a little bummed that I can’t tan, but it’s not long until I’m eighteen.”

Junior Sabrina Munsterteiger Junior Sabrina Munstertiger works at Tan On First in Buffalo. Her view on is that it might not be the most effective way to limit tanning.

“Teens need to be educated on how to tan properly and need to be smart with their skin,” says Munsterteiger.

“My fear is that when deprived-oftanning teens turn eighteen they will go crazy, and they will tan in a way that could potentially be harmful to their skin.”

Sabrina said that she can’t tan anymore. However she does use spray tanning and recommends that for previous tanners who are now underage.

Sophomore Alison Lavato will now have to wait two years before she will have a chance to tan again.

Photo by Molly Kwakenat Graphic by Kathleen Tierney Profile photos by Molly McMullen

ISSUE 1 - 10 OCTOBER 2014

TheHoofprint

24 Spotlight

“I’m still here”

Samantha Westrum - Staff Writer

Have you ever heard someone use the expression “Wow, they have such a big heart”? Well in Special Education Teacher Jason Maurer’s case, that saying is true in more ways than one.

On June 5, Maurer was playing on his recreational softball league when he felt a pain in his chest. He sat down on the

“Dying - even if it is for two minutes scares you.” bench, and went into full cardiac arrest.

While he was out, his heart stopped for two minutes and he was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Maurer was admitted into the hospital and was put into a medically induced coma for a week and a half because his “heart was just too big”.

Although partially dying and being in a coma for 11 days is a huge deal, Maurer says he has no recollection of waking up or much of June for that matter, even now he still feels foggy from time to time.

“I’m more aware, going to try and live a healthier lifestyle. Even though it wasn’t a heart attack and it wasn’t caused

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Jason Mauer Returns this school year after a summer of recovering from a heart that was just too big

because of bad health, dying, even if it is for two minutes, scares you” said Maurer After Maurer got out of his coma, he took some time off but then had to do go through rehab. He had speech and occupational therapy twice a week, and physical therapy everyday. He graduated from all in the beginning of August.

Unfortunately, because of Maurer’s time in the hospital and recovery afterwards, he wasn’t able to teach summer school or weight training, but as for this school year, he is going to continue coaching football and teaching and see how it goes It’s needless to say that staff and students alike, here at Buffalo High School, are extremely caring and considerate. Freshman Jacob Scherber sent out a mass text asking his friends and family to spread the word of how Maurer had just been admitted to the hospital after going into cardiac arrest and needed prayers.

Maurer would like to express his gratitude and appreciation to those staff members at the high school that visited him - especially Activities Director Tom Bauman and Principal Mark Mischke for visiting multiple times and although he wasn’t awake to say it, it meant so much to him.

Cardiac Arrest Information Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart begins to beat dangerously fast There is a 9.5% survival rate if you go into cardiac arrest outside the hospital About 95% of individuals that go into cardiac arrest do not survive People experiencing cardiac arrest will faint, have no pulse, stop breathing and turn blue In 2013, around 359,400 people went into cardiac arrest outside of the hospital

ISSUE 1 - 10 OCTOBER 2014